Leiden University is investing over 1.4 million Euros in a new program on Global Transformations and the Citizen. The overall aim of this interdisciplinary research cluster is to combine research on global transformations (such as shifting multipolar world order, climate change, pandemics, and new information technologies) with research on governance responses to these challenges. The focus area of Leiden University on Global Transformations and Governance Challenges aims to deepen understanding of these complex processes, including their impacts on citizens and democracy.

In the context of this research cluster, Leiden’s Institute of Security and Global Affairs and Institute of Political Science seek to jointly recruit an Assistant Professor, who will work alongside the newly appointed Chair of Global Transformations and Governance Challenges (Professor Dr. Jan Aart Scholte) and an interdisciplinary research team in order to develop a set of innovative approaches to these problems. 

Key responsibilities

• Conducting research in the interdisciplinary area of Global Transformations and in close collaboration with the Chair of Global Transformation and Governance Challenges and the relevant Head of Research Groups at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs and the Institute of Political Science
• Developing theory-driven empirical research addressing the main questions from the broad area of Global Transformations, Governance Challenges and the Citizen:
  • How are global issues and cross-border movements changing citizen attitudes toward national sovereignty, democratic accountability, and the legitimacy of liberal democracy?
  • How are changing public expectations affecting national governments’ attitudes toward international cooperation, global governance, and openness to cross-border movements?
  • What concrete innovations are necessary to make global governance mechansisms more effective in addressing today’s cross-border issues while ensuring their democratic legitimacy at a time of declining trust in public institutions?
  • How are familiar and emerging cross-border dynamics, as well as the rise of new world powers, challenging existing governance institutions at national and global levels?
• Teaching two courses per year relevant to global transformations themes;
• Co-organizing and contributing to activities of the Focus Area “Global Transformations” and the Leiden University Centre for International Relations (LUCIR).

• PhD degree in Political Science, International Relations or a related academic area;
• Demonstrated affinity with the themes of the Global Transformations focus area;
• High quality international peer-reviewed publications appropriate to candidate’s career stage;
• Teaching experience and teaching skills appropriate to the candidate’s level of experience;
• Interest and ability to work in an interdisciplinary context;
• Ability to connect academic research to policy-oriented impact;
• Competence with quantitative methods is seen as a plus;
• Applicants must be able to teach in English.

The position starts as soon as possible, preferably by January 2021. We offer a temporary contract of 3 years. Review for a permanent appointment may be possible during or after the term of the initial contract, depending on funding and performance. Salary range from € 3,746.- to € 5,127.- gross per month, depending on experience (pay scale 11, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information see the website.

The working language is English, but the appointed candidate is required to learn Dutch. Staff who do not speak Dutch upon appointment are required to progress steadily toward at least a B1 level (CEFR) through training financed by both institutes.

UTQ 
Leiden University requires teaching staff to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ). If the successful applicant does not already possess this qualification or its equivalent, he/ she must be willing to obtain this Qualification within two years.

Leiden University

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. It is the oldest university in the Netherlands, founded in February 1575, and currently ranks in the top 100 of most international rankings. The University has approximately 23,000 students and 4,000 staff members.

The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs, located in The Hague – the International City of Peace and Justice- offers a range of other programs focused on international relations, security, international law and international organization. It also hosts the Leiden University College (LUC), an international honors college of Leiden University situated The Hague. Firmly rooted in the academic tradition, the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs provides an inspiring and challenging education and research environment, with a strong interdisciplinary character and international orientation; it is a meeting place for students, scholars and professionals, a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is located in Leiden and The Hague and comprises four institutes: Education and Child Studies, Political Science, Psychology and Cultural Anthropology & Development Sociology. The Faculty also includes the Centre for Science and Technology Studies. The Faculty is home to 5,000 students and 600 members of staff. Our teaching and research programmes cover diverse topics varying from adoption to political behaviour.